Middle Tennessee State University eagerly anticipates the seventh annual True Blue Give campaign set for Tuesday-Thursday, Feb. 13-15, to rally the Blue Raider family to invest in the people and programs that define the character of MTSU. 

Over three days, the university community is encouraging individuals to make online donations. These contributions will be directed toward the giver’s favorite academic colleges, departments, or programs, showcasing a commitment to the growth and success of the university. 

This year’s True Blue Give focuses on specific areas that could benefit from additional support. The campaign shines a spotlight on initiatives like the Student Food Pantry, scholarships for future teachers, the June Anderson Center for Women and Nontraditional Students, and the MTSU Honors College. 

Organizers encourage donors to align their contributions with these causes, allowing them to support the aspects of MTSU that resonate most with them. 

“True Blue Give is a tradition that we started in 2018. It’s how we raise money — crowdfunding — from our alumni, donors, faculty, and staff,” said Kristen Keene, director of MTSU Annual Giving. “We just want everyone to get really excited about giving and philanthropy… Showing love to something on campus.”

Keene discusses the annual campaign in the February edition of “Out of the Blue,” the university’s television magazine. Watch her segment below:

In the first six years of True Blue Give, nearly 4,700 alumni, faculty, staff, and friends have rallied to contribute over $2.9 million to the campaign, with last year’s successful campaign attracting nearly 860 generous supporters.

In 2023, MTSU Athletics enjoyed its most successful True Blue Give yet, with almost $200,000 in support for student-athletes. Additional gifts over $29,000 were donated to student emergency needs and support for various student-centric programs, including the James E. Walker Library, Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center, Band of Blue, and the LGBT+ community. 

As the True Blue Give unfolds, every dollar raised will constitute a direct investment in the university’s people and programs. The transformative impact of these contributions will elevate programs, support students, and propel the MTSU community toward new heights. 

“Alumni from all over the country participate. Giving back is so impactful,” Keene added. “If everybody does it together, it can really affect a student’s life in their educational journey.” 

To make a True Blue gift to MTSU, visit mtsu.edu/truebluegive.

— Brian Delaney (Brian.Delaney@mtsu.edu)